Shivam Dube of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was instrumental in the reigning champions’ six-wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to kick off their 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. It was not the left-handed batter’s smoothest performance, but it was critical and successful, as he formed one half of the match-winning combination with Ravindra Jadeja during the chase.
As newly-appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad pointed out in the post-match presentation, CSK’s lack of a set batter hindered the run chase. Cameron Green struck twice in short succession in the middle overs, helping RCB gradually claw their way back into the match.
Ravindra Jadeja joined Shivam Dube at the crease, and the left-handed pair were charged with completing the final seven overs of the game.
Despite struggling with RCB’s short-ball strategy, Shivam Dube held his wicket before bursting in the dying seconds. Shivam Dube stayed undefeated on 34 runs off 28 deliveries, while Jadeja (25 off 17) provided a steady hand at the other end. Their partnership totaled 66 runs from 37 deliveries.
“Me and Jadeja are still not out from 2023. Finishing the game for Chennai is always something else for me. That is what I have learnt from Mahi bhai and that is what I am trying to do every game. That feels really good when you finish a game like this, especially in the first game of the IPL season, so it feels good. I had only one thing in my mind – Watch the ball and play. Because I know what I can do if I am there till the end.”
Shivam Dube
The same left-handed duo polished things off in style with CSK’s epic fifth title success in 2023. In that specific final against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad, Shivam Dube scored 32 runs off 21 deliveries, while Jadeja (15 off 6) was responsible for the last flourish against Mohit Sharma to complete the rain-shortened match.
“Probably the loudest I have ever experienced” – Rachin Ravindra’s early impression of the CSK crowd
Rachin Ravindra had a memorable IPL debut on March 22, grabbing a well-judged catch in the first innings to dismiss Faf du Plessis and producing a spirited cameo in the run chase to help CSK get off to a good start. The left-handed batsman was the leading scorer for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s team, scoring 37 runs off only 15 deliveries.
Although Ravindra had previously played in the MA Chidambaram Stadium during the 2023 World Cup league stage, the electric atmosphere on the first night of the IPL 2024 was in stark contrast.
“The support was obviously crazy. The wicket was beautiful once it made my life a lot easier, but the crowd was incredible. Probably the loudest I have ever experienced. Everyone with their whistles, it was unbelievable. So, hopefully we have more nice wins here so that we hear the crowd cheer more often. It was an amazing opening night, concerts and everything, which made the spectacle amazing.”
Rachin Ravindra
CSK will meet the Gujarat Titans (GT) on Tuesday, March 26.